Enjoy the changes in the appearance of a wooden ballpoint pen over time! High-quality items also make great gifts.

Enjoy the changes in the appearance of a wooden ballpoint pen over time! High-quality items also make great gifts.

*This page contains promotional material, but we strive to provide objective and accurate information in creating this article.

Wooden ballpoint pens are popular for their warm designs that plastic and metal pens don't have, and are sold by a variety of manufacturers both in Japan and overseas.

With so many options available, it can be hard to decide which one to get. Here, we'll introduce the unique features of wooden ballpoint pens and how to choose one.

The characteristics and appeal of wooden ballpoint pens

The characteristics and appeal of wooden ballpoint pens

The most distinctive feature of wooden ballpoint pens is that they change over time. Aging refers to the process by which the state of a material changes over time. Unlike regular plastic ballpoint pens, the more you use them, the more their color, luster, and texture change, and they become more comfortable in your hand.

Furthermore, because they are made from natural materials, the color and grain of each pen is different. The originality of not being able to find an identical pen anywhere in the world, and the joy of "developing" it to your liking over time, are real pleasures that you cannot experience with plastic pens.

How to choose a wooden ballpoint pen

How to choose a wooden ballpoint pen

Here are six things to consider when choosing a wooden ballpoint pen:

  • Wood type
  • Ink type
  • Pen weight
  • Pen tip thickness
  • How to remove the lead
  • that’s a joy to receive.

Wood type

The feel and appearance of wooden ballpoint pens vary depending on the type of wood used. If you're choosing one as a gift, we recommend choosing one made from "high-quality wood" such as rosewood or ebony. High-quality wood not only looks luxurious, but is also highly durable, making it a pen that can be used for a lifetime.

Ink type

Ballpoint pen ink can be broadly divided into three types: water-based, oil-based, and gel ink. Each type has a different writing feel, as well as differences in how quickly it dries after writing, how resistant it is to bleeding, and how easily it fades when stored for a long period of time.

It's best to use it according to the situation, such as whether you want it to be an all-purpose pen for both work and play, or whether you want to use it when writing important documents that will be kept for a long time.

Pen weight

Wooden ballpoint pens tend to be a little heavier than plastic ballpoint pens. Some people feel that a certain amount of weight makes writing more stable, but for those who write frequently and for long periods of time, the weight may be a bit of a concern.

The best weight will vary depending on your daily usage and personal preference, so compare it with the weight of the ballpoint pen you have on hand to choose the best weight.

Pen tip thickness

The thickness of the pen tip is an important factor that directly affects the writing experience and legibility of the letters. Generally, the thicker the tip, the easier it is to read.

Choose a pen based on the situation you want to use it in: whether you want to use it for writing in small spaces like a planner or sticky notes, for work or study notes or for letters, postcards, or other writing you want others to read. If you're unsure, we recommend a pen around 0.5mm, which is easy to read regardless of the size of the letters and has a relatively wide selection of refills.

How to remove the lead

There are three types of ballpoint pen lead extension: cap type, knock type, and retractable (rotating) type. The advantage of the cap type is that there is less worry about ink leaking when you are traveling, but some people find it troublesome to put the cap on and take it off every time they use the pen.

The knock-type pen is convenient because you can easily insert and remove the lead with one hand, but surprisingly many people find the clicking sound annoying in quiet places. If quietness is your number one priority, we recommend the retractable type, which makes no noise when inserting and removing the lead.

that’s a joy to receive.

Since you'll be using it frequently in your daily life, it's important to consider whether the design is something you'll grow attached to. You might find a design you like not only in the regular products sold, but also in special collaboration projects. Look around various stores and online shops to find the one you like.

Recommended as a gift! 3 unique wooden ballpoint pens

The smooth texture of oak wood, which is over 100 years old, is unique. You can choose from several fonts to engrave your name, making it look more expensive than it actually is. Gift wrapping and message cards are also available free of charge, making it a perfect gift.

This ballpoint pen is crafted from the rare and durable olive tree. Unlike trees grown for lumber, olive trees have survived in nature for hundreds of years, resulting in a unique and varied grain pattern. Add your name to create a truly unique, one-of-a-kind ballpoint pen.

Its uniquely designed streamlined design makes it comfortable to write in for long periods of time. Its wood is available in three varieties: Chinese quince, Yakusugi cedar, and ebony. Its eye-catching, unique design makes it a great choice for signing in stores or for work, such as sales or customer service.

Enjoy the fun of "growing" a wooden ballpoint pen!

This wooden ballpoint pen has a different kind of luxury than regular ballpoint pens, and the more you use it, the more it takes on your own unique color. It's a great item for yourself, or as a gift.